Posted by Debbie Yarra on June 6, 2012 at 12:53 AM
Hey all,
Sorry for the lack of participation. Very busy, but looking forward to posting some pics soon.
Anyway, I'm looking for a place to photograph wildflowers/waterfall/mountains for about 4 days last week of June. I would prefer camping, but I can't do any back country since I will be alone and not very experienced in back country backpacking. Never been to the San Juans at this time of year, wondering if I might find some stuff around the area of Dallas Divide? but I'm open for any suggestions. Keep in mind I only have a Toyota corolla but certainly wouldn't negate the idea of renting a SUV. I also don't mind hiking in (shorter hikes) to get to the good stuff. Thanks!
The area around Dallas divide should be good at that time. I made a trip down that way at the beginning of June a few years back and it was quite nice. I think CR7 and CR5 are passable with 2WD, not sure about the others. The TH for Blue Lakes is right there at the end of CR7 as well. When I went the trail was blocked with snow about a mile up and I wasn't prepared for that, but this year, at the end of June I would give it a good chance to be clear. Crested Butte would be another option. I would guess some of the trials would be clear end of June this year (Rustler's Gulch, Copper Creek). Plenty of stuff around there at various altitudes, also great car camping on Slate River Rd. Have fun, be safe and good luck with the conditions!
Posted by Debbie Yarra on June 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Thanks Randy! Crested Butte was certainly an option I thought about, but wasn't sure about camping. Can you tent camp on that Rd too? I'm a little too old to sleep in a sardine can ! Last time I was there I stayed in a motel. Thanks for the info on Dallas Divide. I've only been there in the fall and thought that the CR roads might yield some pretty views and wildflowers but I wasn't sure if the cows might consume all the good specimens . I've been on most of the roads in the area with my Honda ( similar car to my Toyota). Anyway thanks for your input and caring thoughts! Blessings
Hey, Deb! I stayed in Crested Butte last year over the 4th of July and there were some good flowers. The Lost Lake CG is available with 2WD on an improved dirt road and is first come first serve. There is a good little hike around the lake. I don't know the Crested Butte area all that well, but that campground was nice. There are quite a few cows through the aspens, but there were still flowers around!
I would go the Crested Butte route...better chance for early blooms there. We went the first week of July last year and it was fantastic! There is another road to the south of Crested that was unreal...can't remember the name but I'm sure someone will come up with it. I just remembered...Brush Creek Road..last year it was the most amazing I've seen yet!
When I said car camping, I meant tent camping within walking distance to the car. I cannot sleep in my Liberty either! Slate River Rd. is definitely doable in a 2WD up to a point where it switch back up to Paradise Divide. There are MANY established sites along the road with nice level spots for tents, fire circles etc. No fees or facilities. I had a perfect spot right over the river with fields of columbine, paintbrush, cow's parsnip, penstemmon etc. Not sure what would be out during that time, but I think CB is a googd bet.
Definitely head to the Crested Butte area - lupine are already starting to bloom. There are several areas that typically have large wildflower blooms: Gothic Road north of Crested Butte to Scofield Pass with the largest concentration just south of the town of Gothic. Road is very good. Next, drive the Kebler Pass Road - the area between Horse Park and the junction of the Kebler Pass Road and the road to Ohio Pass is usually very good. Lots of flowers and huge areas of ferns. The third area that always pays off is the Washington Gulch Road. Take Gothic Road north out of Crested Butte and it begins just south of the ski resort. The road is well marked on all maps. All along the road you will find abundant wildflowers. At the 6 mile marker is a hill on the right which should have a great variety of specimens. Park your car and walk up the hill - on the other side are several beaver ponds with a lot of flowers around them. This is a great spot for late afternoon to get reflections on the ponds. Beyond 6 mile, the road starts flirting with being 4WD only which it finally is as it joins Slate River Road and takes you to Paradise Basin. South of Crested Butte you can try Brush Creek Road and farther south by a couple of miles is Cement Creek Road. Both are good. There are tent camping sites along Gothic Road north of Crested Butte. And, the Lake Irwin area is always good. This area is one of the few in the state of Colorado where "Cases Fitweed" grows - beautiful plant and flower. Check it out.
Finally, go to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival site - http://www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com/ and look for "Bloom Locator" at the top of the website. It will list the various species, where they are found and are accompanied by a map. Also, on the site, look for "Wildflower Updates". The link will take you to their latest update. You can also stop at the Wildflower Festival office for assistance.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
www.dbeezleyphotography.com
Posted by Debbie Yarra on June 9, 2012 at 12:59 AM
Gosh, Thanks so much for all your helpful information about Crested Butte. I've been there twice the first time was a banner year but I really didn't explore much except the fields along Gothic road. The second time I went at the same time and I was too early for blooms (the year was weird). You all are getting me psyched about the trip and camping. @ Ann, Thanks I was looking at the Lost Lake CG info and it seemed like a nice one. Glad you know the road is ok. @ Jack, thanks for remembering the road...I hope it's great this year too...I'm going to check it out. @ Randy Looking forward to checking out Slate River Rd. and the options there. Though, I do prefer having a pit toilet to a hole....I must be getting old @ Doug, thanks for your wealth of information. I wrote it all down and will be mapping out my places to go. The Beaver Ponds sound cool! Will look for Cases Fitweed. May even stay in the Lake Irwin campground, who knows...it sounds like I have some great options for camping. Hopefully the flowers will be good despite the weird winter. If not I'll still have fun just soaking in nature. Thanks again!
Discussion
7 repliesSorry for the lack of participation. Very busy, but looking forward to posting some pics soon.
Anyway, I'm looking for a place to photograph wildflowers/waterfall/mountains for about 4 days last week of June. I would prefer camping, but I can't do any back country since I will be alone and not very experienced in back country backpacking. Never been to the San Juans at this time of year, wondering if I might find some stuff around the area of Dallas Divide? but I'm open for any suggestions. Keep in mind I only have a Toyota corolla but certainly wouldn't negate the idea of renting a SUV. I also don't mind hiking in (shorter hikes) to get to the good stuff. Thanks!
Definitely head to the Crested Butte area - lupine are already starting to bloom. There are several areas that typically have large wildflower blooms: Gothic Road north of Crested Butte to Scofield Pass with the largest concentration just south of the town of Gothic. Road is very good. Next, drive the Kebler Pass Road - the area between Horse Park and the junction of the Kebler Pass Road and the road to Ohio Pass is usually very good. Lots of flowers and huge areas of ferns. The third area that always pays off is the Washington Gulch Road. Take Gothic Road north out of Crested Butte and it begins just south of the ski resort. The road is well marked on all maps. All along the road you will find abundant wildflowers. At the 6 mile marker is a hill on the right which should have a great variety of specimens. Park your car and walk up the hill - on the other side are several beaver ponds with a lot of flowers around them. This is a great spot for late afternoon to get reflections on the ponds. Beyond 6 mile, the road starts flirting with being 4WD only which it finally is as it joins Slate River Road and takes you to Paradise Basin. South of Crested Butte you can try Brush Creek Road and farther south by a couple of miles is Cement Creek Road. Both are good. There are tent camping sites along Gothic Road north of Crested Butte. And, the Lake Irwin area is always good. This area is one of the few in the state of Colorado where "Cases Fitweed" grows - beautiful plant and flower. Check it out.
Finally, go to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival site - http://www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com/ and look for "Bloom Locator" at the top of the website. It will list the various species, where they are found and are accompanied by a map. Also, on the site, look for "Wildflower Updates". The link will take you to their latest update. You can also stop at the Wildflower Festival office for assistance.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
www.dbeezleyphotography.com